PAWS NY joins 2016 United Airlines NYC Half

PAWS NY was thrilled to be named an Official Charity Partner of the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half, which took place on March 20th, 2016. This marked the first time, PAWS NY participated in a NYRR (New York Road Runners) event and we couldn’t be more proud of our team! PAWS NY was represented by seven dedicated runners who accepted the challenge of running 13.1 miles of city streets and scenic sites throughout the Big Apple. PAWS’ runner Justis Bolding and her father Bill, were ready at the start line, as they had been training together for this extra special event. The 2016 NYC Half was a memorable race for Justis not only because PAWS is close to her heart as a committed volunteer, but also because this was the first race Justis and Bill ran together supporting both each -other and a great cause! As Justis stated “I’m so excited and incredibly honored and grateful that so many people supported me in this fundraiser. Friends, family, clients, and colleagues: you have not only supported me in my endeavor to run a special race with my inspirational dad (just 2 days after his 66th birthday) but you have given to a wonderful cause that will put your contributions to great use. I’m so flattered and appreciative.”

Our amazing team raised a total of $11,011, with all funds going directly to help keep our clients and their pets together, like Terri and her pup Honey. Terri who has been a PAWS NY client since 2011 says “I am so truly thankful for PAWS. The volunteers are all angels.” All the volunteers who are apart of PAWS NY are extremely dedicated and this was no different with our PAWS NY Half Marathon Team. Their determination in tackling such a physical task while simultaneously raising not only funds but awareness for our organization was not a simple undertaking. We believe our runner Brian Blood sums it up best, “I think we can all agree that: (1) pets are great; (2) donating money makes you feel good; and (3) half marathons are hard. Seems like a no-brainer, …”

Photo Credit: Emily DeWan

All seven of our runners completed the race with rock star finishes as Stephane Beaucamp proves to us in his photo finish! We are so appreciative to all our Team PAWS NY runners who stepped up on our behalf and, believe in the work that we do, and as a result, being a part of PAWS NY by hitting the pavement and making strides to keep families together.